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Human Anatomy, 6/e
Kent Van De Graaff, Weber State University

The History of Anatomy

Chapter Summary

Definition of the Science

  1. Human anatomy is the science concerned with the structure of the human body.
  2. The terms of anatomy are descriptive and are generally of Greek or Latin derivation.
  3. The history of human anatomy parallels that of medicine and has also been greatly influenced by various religions.

Prescientific Period

  1. Prehistoric interest in anatomy was undoubtedly limited to practical information necessary for survival.
  2. Trepanation was a surgical technique that was practiced by several cultures.
  3. Paleopathology is the science concerned with diseases of prehistoric people.
  4.  

Scientific Period

  1. A few anatomical descriptions were inscribed in clay tablets in cuneiform writing by people who lived in Mesopotamia in about 4000 B.C.
  2. Egyptians of about 3400 B.C. developed a technique of embalming. It was not recorded, however, and therefore was not of value in furthering the study of anatomy.
  3. The belief in a balance between yin and yang was a compelling influence in Chinese philosophy and provided the rationale for the practice of acupuncture.
  4. The advancement of anatomy in Japan was largely due to the influence of the Chinese and Dutch.
  5. Anatomy first found wide acceptance as a science in ancient Greece.
    1. Hippocrates is regarded as the father of medicine because of the sound principles of medical practice he established.
    2. The Greek philosophy of body humors dominated medical thought for over 2,000 years.
    3. Aristotle pursued a limited type of scientific method in obtaining data; his writings contain some basic anatomy.